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The Children Of Lyles Station by Anthony Branker

From the album

Album Title: Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit
Label: Origin Records
Released: 2026
Duration: 00:58:05

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About the Album

Composer Anthony Branker unveils a powerful new chapter in his ongoing exploration of music as cultural narrative, social inquiry, and collective expression. Leading his newly formed ensemble Other Ways of Knowing, Branker brings together an exceptional group of improvisers—saxophonist Steve Wilson , guitarist Pete McCann, pianist Simona Premazzi, bassist John Hébert, drummer Rudy Royston, and vocalist Aimée Allen—for a program that is as rhythmically vital as it is conceptually resonant. Drawing inspiration from histories and lived experiences within the African and Indigenous diasporas, these expansive compositions balance cinematic scope with deeply personal storytelling. Like Branker’s acclaimed earlier work, praised for its ability to unite musical beauty with intellectual depth, Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit stands as a compelling statement—one that invites listening not only as an aesthetic experience, but as a way of knowing, remembering, and bearing witness. “Musical beauty in the service of thought, or perhaps the reverse.” – Paris-Move

Tracks

The Children of Lyles Station; Song for Marielle Franco; Beautiful Dancing People; Freedom Water March (at Igbo Landing); Stolen Sisters; When Past is Prologue; Afro Mosaic Soul Babies.

Personnel

Reviews

Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit by Dan McClenaghan

Date featured

April 11, 2026

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.